hello

[lily]

Cynth

I think you are treating the symptoms rather than the problem by taking a holiday when you could pay your debts off. Gee I havent taken a holiday in ten years and I could use one, but I would take debt freedom over a holiday any day of the week.

Someone offered to pay for a holiday for me but I really dont want it until I am free and then I would really feel I could enjoy it.

Do the right thing.

lily

[MelanieGiles]

Hi Cynth

The best thing to do is undertake what I call a "health check" of your finances. List out your assets and liabilities, to determine whether you have sufficient resources to repay your debts in full. If not, then look at your income and expenditure to see what disposable income you have available to properly repay your debts by instalments. If you are able to use savings money to reduce your debts, this is usually a good idea - as the interest rate you get on savings is usually a lot lower than investment interest.

And really have a good think whether going on holiday is a good idea at the moment. You could take a cheaper holiday, and also pay off something towards your debts whilst devising a plan for ongoing debt freedom.

Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner for over 20 years.

For further details contact me at http://www.melaniegiles.com and view my IVA blog at: http://melaniegiles.blogs.iva.co.uk

[cynth]

I have thought of nothing else, a holiday seems a good escape from my problems even for a short while, I know I have to face them at some time but a little respite doesnt seem to tooo bad before i go into the struggle to get free, surely some of you here have felt that way. I know its treating the symptom rather than the probelm but I am at wits end, I do feel guilty though spending anything at the moment, even on nice food for the family.

Thanks for replying

[lily]

Cynth

I really sympathise with you, honestly, it is a horrible stress debt is, as I have said I could really use a break after this horrendous year I have had.

I really feel that you must face this 'thing' and decide what is the right solution for you BEFORE takig a holiday, imagine having it all sorted, going through all the stress and then taking a short break, how good would that feel, compaired to oh hell when this week is over I have to face A, B or C or the unknown, which is even worse?

We are all here to support you through whatever stress this presents you with, one or all of us will be feeling/have experienced what you are right now.

At the end of the day its your decision, no-one will judge you whatever you decide, I just feel that it will be more enjoyable after you have begun the debt free journey when you have a clearer mind.

You can escape your everyday life for a while but would you really be able to escape your head? I doubt it.

lily

[Magic]

Hi Cynth
I have been in an IVA for almost 1 year. I had major debt over £90,000 and my depression and my husband's trying to cope on his own because he did not want to upset me any more it just got worse and worse.I was retired on ill health from my job due to workplace bullying that made me really ill mentally and physically and shopping helped as a temporary measure - I did not know if I could trust the IVA advice etc. and was totally worried and manic. The day I went ahead and got the advice I have never looked back, do it now before it's too late honestly take it from someone who's been there the sooner you get the right advice the sooner you'll have it sorted - it's so hard but take that bull by the horns and do it because I think that eventually the help there at the moment won't be so helpful under this Government????
very best wishes and good luck
ps if you have a little bit cash hide it and take that small break it will help you to decide what to do and clear your mind?

[aguise]

Hi Cynth
I still feel as Lily says that I would enjoy a holiday much more knowing I wasnt coming home to a load of debt probs.

Ang

Please visit my blog at http://aguise.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[louiseh]

I reached a stage where debt was stressing me out so much I had to take a holiday, first few days were fine, then the thought of returning to reality set in, which left me more stressed I returned to all the same problems, plus feelings of guilt for spending money on as hooliday that I really couldn't afford. Since facing up to my Debt problems through an IVA I can now take a few days holiday( can get very good inexpensive deals) and really appreciate the time. I don't feel guilty as I know my debt problems are now under control and i'm not adding to them.

[cynth]

Hi

I will take on board what you have said. The thing in Brum on 4th,can anyone come?, what will be discussed? how many are going?

Cyn

[Adam Davies]

Hi Cynth
The event is open to all and you are more than welcome.We will discuss debt problems and solutions in a very relaxed atmosphere[lounge area of hotel].
I am hoping that Melanie,Ang and Lily[forum experts]will be there along with forum members.Our last event in London was great.
Please have a look at the events page,located on the left hand side of the home page,and register your attendance.
Regards
Andy

Andy Davie
IVA.co.uk Spokesperson

About me:
http://www.iva.co.uk/andy_davie_profile.asp

IVA Helpline: 0800 197 4838
http://www.iva.co.uk/iva_helpline.asp

[cynth]

Hi again,

Dont get on here much as have limited access.

this debt event that folks are talking about, can I come?

I still dont believe how I got into a mess on credit cards and loans, shouldnt the financial institution take some responsiblity for giving us money in the first place without checking if we can really pay it back?

Cyn

[cynth]

Mel ,Ang and Lily,

How will I recognise them?

Cyn

[lily]

Mels photo is on all of her posts, I am sure you will recognise her.

Ang and I have never met but we will manage somehow, if you get to the venue I am sure we will be introduced.

Its quite a nasty shock when you realise the mess youre in, I remember the panic I felt well. All you can do is accept it, take steps to address it and move on. Its easy to get credit but at the end of the day, we signed on the dotted line and owe the money. I think it just takes time to get used to the idea of being a debtor. I also think a lot worse things can happen in life and you will be a stronger person for coming through it.

Look forward to meeting you on the 4th

lily

[Adam Davies]

Hi
I will be waiting in reception,you all know my ugly mug !!
Regards

Andy Davie
IVA.co.uk Spokesperson

About me:
http://www.iva.co.uk/andy_davie_profile.asp

IVA Helpline: 0800 197 4838
http://www.iva.co.uk/iva_helpline.asp

[aguise]

Lily will be wearing a red top dark glasses and carrying an umbrella, I am watching inspector clouseaux films to get ideas for disguises, sorry just joking lol. Looking forward to it. As long as we know what Andy looks like i am sure we will find each other. Sounds like a few will be coming, great.

Ang

Please visit my blog at http://aguise.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[Skippy]

I wish I lived closer - I'd like to meet you all! I couldn't get to the last few London meetings, but I hope to get to the next one.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/